The latest on California politics and government

September 23, 2013

Gov. Jerry Brown has signed legislation requiring motorists to give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing on a California roadway, after vetoing similar legislation during the last two years.

Assembly Bill 1371, by Assemblyman Steven Bradford, D-Gardena, requires motorists to slow down if they can't give room and makes failing to comply an infraction punishable by a fine of $35.

Brown vetoed similar legislation in 2011 and 2012. Last year, the Democratic governor objected to language that would have permitted a motorist to cross a double yellow line to make room for a bicyclist. Brown objected in 2011 to language he said would have required drivers unable to move over to slow to a certain speed, regardless of the speed limit.

The bill was one of 15 Brown announced signing today. Also signed was Senate Bill 568, by Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, which requires Internet and social media sites to let users under 18 delete items they post, and Assembly Bill 329, by Assemblyman Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, which seeks to curb the use of robotic ticket buying software by scalpers.

Brown vetoed legislation by Sen. Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber, to increase to 20 from 18 the number of members on the California Commission on Emergency Medical Services, adding representatives from air ambulance and air rescue and transport backgrounds.

Brown noted in his veto message on Senate Bill 535 that he had proposed eliminating the commission in 2011.

"For as long as the commission continues to perform its work," Brown wrote, "there should be no shortage of expertise or willingness of an 18-member body to address all aspects of the system, including air ambulance and air rescue."